Checkouts, Renewals, & Fees
Overdue Items | Checkouts, Returns, & Fees | Materials Returned Damaged or Missing Parts/Pieces | Outdoor Hold Lockers
Renewals
Bloomingdale Public Library is fines free
- Most items will automatically renew up to 5 times if no one has placed a hold on your item. Items ineligible for auto-renewal include ILL loans, magazines, and new release DVDs..
- 2 days before an item is due, it will automatically renew if eligible. You'll receive an email and/or text informing you which item(s) could NOT be renewed.
- If your item was not automatically renewed, you may try to renew the item on the actual due date.
- Renewals can be done as follows:
o Request a renewal for the item(s) using the "My Account" feature through the online catalog.
o Visit the library's Circulation desk in person and request a renewal with a Circulation staff member.
o Call the library's Circulation desk at (630) 924-2750 to request a renewal.
You will need your library card number in order to access your account
Overdue Items
While we are fines free, patrons are responsible for returning overdue library items. Overdue items that are not returned will result in notices being sent out on the following schedule:
1st notice: after items are 7 days overdue
2nd notice: after items are 14 days overdue
3rd notice: after items are 21 days overdue
4th notice: after items are 28 days overdue
If the items are not returned within 42 days of the item due date, the patron will receive a letter revoking their borrowing privileges and at that time, the patron’s account will be billed for all items.
If items are not returned within 60 days of the item due date, borrowers with unpaid balances of $25 or more may be contacted by a collection agency on behalf of the library. In addition, a collection fee will be assessed and placed onto accounts that have reached this threshold.
Chart of Loan Periods and Checkout Limits
Delinquent Patrons
All borrowing privileges will be suspended if a patron accumulates fees in excess of the Library’s threshold of $5.00, or, if the patron has items that have not been returned for a period exceeding 28 days. Reciprocal borrowing privileges shall be revoked upon the mailing of the fourth notice. This policy also applies should a Bloomingdale Public Library patron fail to return items due at another library or refuse to pay fees for lost items from another library. Borrowing privileges shall be reinstated upon return of the items and payment of the accumulated fees, or upon payment of the replacement cost of the item(s).
Billed Items
Unreturned items will be billed to a patron’s account if not returned within 45 days of the item(s) due date. The patron cannot place holds, renew items, or check out new items until the issue has been resolved on their account.
Patrons can return the billed overdue item(s) and the amount owed will be updated. Overdue items must be returned in good condition, with all parts and pieces (as applicable). Or patrons may choose to pay the total amount for the billed items along with any fees associated with each item on their account.
Checkouts, Returns, & Fees
Need to know where you can return library materials?
During library business hours, patrons may return their materials in the bookdrop inside the library or given directly to a Circulation staff member. Patrons may also use the convenient 24-hour drive up bookdrops located just outside the front of the library.
Need to know when your library materials are due?
- Look at your account online using the "My Account" feature.
- Visit the Circulation Desk at the library.
- Call a staff member directly at the Circulation desk at (630) 924-2750.
You will need your library card number in order for staff to access your account.
Need to pay fees on your library account?
The library offers several ways for patrons to pay fees. Choose from the following options:
- Payments by cash or check are accepted at the Circulation Desk. Checks should be made out to “Bloomingdale Public Library.”
- Credit card payments are accepted in-person at self-check machines or online via the library website. Patrons need their library card number and PIN number to make credit/debit card payments online.
Materials Returned Damaged or Missing Parts/Pieces
What if I lose a library item? What if I accidentally damage an item?
The library recognizes that items do wear over time and heavy use; therefore, a patron will not be charged for damage that can be attributed to normal wear and tear. However, patrons are held responsible if an item is destroyed or so badly damaged that it can no longer be used. Borrowers are liable for the full replacement cost of any library items lost, damaged or not returned. The charge for replacement shall be the cost of the material as noted in the item record of the circulation database. Bloomingdale does not charge a processing fee for lost or damaged items. Other libraries may charge fines and fees for lost or damaged items in addition to the replacement fee. Patrons are responsible for any charges incurred as a result of losing or damaging another library’s materials.
Items returned damaged will remain on a patron’s library account until the items have been paid for. Patrons will be asked to replace damaged items that fall under the following criteria:
• Any item that had been added to the collection within the last year or less;
• Any item that has apparent food, liquid, or odor damage;
• Any item in which a missing part or piece cannot be replaced individually.
All other items returned damaged will be assessed by the selecting librarian who will then determine if the item will need to be replaced. If the item will be replaced, the patron is responsible for any and all charges associated with the item.
I misplaced a DVD from a TV series I checked out. What happens next?
Items checked out at the Bloomingdale Public Library are not considered returned until all of the applicable parts or pieces have been returned (i.e., DVDs, BOCDs, CDs, liner notes, booklets, instructions, etc.) This includes items returned in the outdoor bookdrops. The item(s) will remain checked out to the patron until the missing parts/pieces have been returned. If a patron loses one or more items to a set, staff will try to purchase the missing pieces if available as a separate purchase. Otherwise, staff reserves the right to charge the full amount of the item for incomplete or missing parts.
Can I buy a replacement for the item I lost or damaged?
In order to avoid confusion and error, the library prefers to order items through its primary vendor. However, as a convenience to our patrons, the library will allow patrons to replace lost or damaged print material(s) from other vendors as long as the following guidelines are met:
• The item must be approved by a librarian;
• The item must be NEW;
• The item must be identical to the original (use ISBN to ensure match);
• The item must be in the same format (i.e. hardcover/paperback) as the original.
• The item must be in the same format (i.e. hardcover/paperback) as the original.
Additionally, a processing fee of $10 will be assessed per item for patrons choosing to replace print library items on their own.
I paid for an item I thought I lost and then I found it. Can I get my money back?
If a patron recovers library material that has paid for within 30 days (1 month), the library will refund the cost of the item minus any postage or other fees associated with the material replacement. The returned material and the dated receipt of payment must be presented at the time of refund request. Generally, refunds will be processed and made available on the Thursday following the next library Board meeting. Checks may be issued for refunds to library patrons.
If a patron recovers library material that has been paid for within 30 days (1 month) and the material does not belong to the Bloomingdale Public Library, the owning library will make a final determination about whether or not an item can be accepted and a refund issued.
I think have fees on my account. How do I pay them? Can I use a credit card?
The library offers several ways for patrons to pay fees. Patrons can choose from the following methods:
- Payments by cash or check are accepted at the Circulation Desk. Checks should be made out to “Bloomingdale Public Library.”
- Credit card payments are accepted in-person at self-check machines or online via the library website. Patrons need their library card number and PIN number to make credit/debit card payments online.
Outdoor Hold Lockers
Access library materials even when the library is closed by picking up your holds at the new outdoor lockers, located to the right of our main entrance. Picking up holds at the lockers is both convenient and contactless.
Using the lockers is easy!
- Place a hold and select the lockers as your pickup location.
- Wait for the library to contact you; you'll receive notifications by email, text, or phone call that your items are available.
- Place a hold and select the lockers as your pickup location.
- Scan your Bloomingdale library card at the lockers to pick up your materials.
To change your preferences:
- Go to My Account, and under Account Settings, click Your Preferences
- Change Preferred Pickup Location to Bloomingdale Public Library Locker
- Click Update My Preferences to save your changes.